WINDSOR - State officials said a federal disaster declaration will most likely be issued for Windsor County as a result of recent flooding damage.

Agency of Transportation and Federal Emergency Management Agency officials are visiting Windsor County towns today to determine if Windsor County qualifies for public assistance. AOT representative Chris Bump said Windsor County qualifies for federal assistance if damages are assessed at $195,000.

AOT and FEMA visited several locations Tuesday in Hartland and Windsor and they believe that the damages sustained in both towns will meet the required threshold to qualify for federal assistance.

"We're pretty sure that between these two towns, we'll surpass the threshold," Bump said.

This is the first step in receiving a federal disaster declaration and financial assistance in rebuilding public infrastructure. According to Vermont Emergency Management spokesman Mark Bosma, federal rules mandate the state to show at least $1-million in damages to be considered for a Public Assistance disaster declaration.

Beyond that, an individual county must show damages to roads, bridges, and other public property equaling or exceeding $3.45 per capita or $195,000 to qualify for assistance.